New West Bengal CM Shubhendu Adhikari Begins Reversing Mamata Banerjee’s Key Policies — BJP Government’s First Major Moves
West Bengal’s newly sworn-in Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the state’s governance, announcing a series of policy reversals that undo several of the previous Mamata Banerjee government’s flagship decisions. The moves, coming within days of the BJP forming government in the state after its historic election victory, signal a sharp ideological shift and have ignited a fierce political debate about governance, continuity, and partisan policymaking.
Adhikari, who famously defected from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to the BJP ahead of the 2021 elections and defeated Mamata Banerjee in the Nandigram constituency, was chosen as Chief Minister after the BJP’s sweeping win in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. His appointment marked the end of Mamata’s 15-year dominance over Bengal’s politics and the beginning of what the BJP is calling a “new era of development and accountability.”
Key Policy Reversals
Among the most significant reversals is the review of the state’s Duare Sarkar (Government at Your Doorstep) programme, which was a cornerstone of Mamata’s welfare delivery model. Adhikari has ordered an audit of the scheme, alleging widespread irregularities and fake beneficiaries. “Public money was being looted under the guise of welfare,” Adhikari told reporters. “Every rupee spent by the previous government will be accounted for.”
The new government has also moved to restructure the state’s education and employment policies. The controversial school recruitment process, which was mired in allegations of corruption and resulted in multiple court cases and arrests, is being overhauled. Adhikari has promised fresh recruitment examinations conducted through transparent, centralised systems.
Other reversals include changes to the state’s approach to political rallies and public gatherings, the renaming of government schemes launched under TMC branding, and the review of land allotments and contracts awarded during the previous government’s tenure. The BJP government has also signalled a harder line on law and order, with the Home Department issuing directives to police to crack down on political violence and syndicate-raj — the extortion networks that plagued parts of the state.
Mamata’s Response
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, has hit back sharply at what she calls “vendetta politics.” In a press conference on June 9, she accused the BJP government of “dismantling welfare programmes that benefited millions of poor Bengalis” and warned of mass protests if development schemes are scrapped without adequate alternatives.
“The people of Bengal gave them a mandate to govern, not to destroy,” Mamata said. “Every scheme we launched — Kanyashree, Sabuj Sathi, Duare Sarkar — was designed to help the poorest of the poor. If they touch these schemes, the people will rise.”
The TMC, which has been weakened by the defection of 20 of its MPs to the NDA last week, is struggling to mount an effective opposition. However, political analysts note that Mamata’s personal popularity remains significant, and the BJP government risks a backlash if policy reversals are seen as hurting welfare delivery rather than improving accountability.
The Adhikari Factor
Shubhendu Adhikari’s rise to the Chief Minister’s chair is itself a remarkable political story. The son of veteran TMC leader Sisir Adhikari, Shubhendu was once among Mamata’s closest lieutenants before a dramatic falling-out in late 2020. His defection to the BJP, which he attributed to the TMC’s “corruption, dynasty politics, and appeasement policies,” was seen as a major blow to Mamata’s electoral prospects in 2021.
Though the BJP lost the 2021 election despite Adhikari’s contribution, the party steadily built its base in Bengal over the next five years. The 2026 election saw a combination of anti-incumbency, organisational expansion, and the consolidation of Hindu votes deliver a decisive majority for the BJP, with Adhikari emerging as the consensus choice for CM thanks to his grassroots connect and aggressive political style.
Challenges Ahead
Governing West Bengal will not be easy. The state faces significant economic challenges, including high unemployment, a struggling manufacturing sector, and fiscal constraints. The TMC government’s welfare spending, while popular, has been criticised for straining state finances. Adhikari will need to balance fiscal discipline with welfare delivery — a challenge that has tripped up many state governments.
The political situation is also volatile. West Bengal has a history of political violence, and the transition from TMC to BJP rule has already seen reports of tensions in several districts. Adhikari has promised “zero tolerance for violence” but will need to ensure that his security apparatus does not become a tool for political retribution.
Also Read
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For now, Bengal watches and waits. The first 100 days of the Adhikari government will be critical in setting the tone — and determining whether the new CM can deliver on his promise of transformation without repeating the mistakes of the regime he replaced.
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